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The new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti is the
direct replacement for the ageing but still beautiful 456M GT. It's distinctive styling, awesome V12 Engine producing 533
bhp and aluminium construction give it superb credentials which are vital to compete in this fast-growing Grand
Touring market. It uses the finest materials for construction and has a choice of six-speed manual or semi-automatic,
clutchless F1A gearboxes. The 612 features scalloped sides reminiscent of the well-known 375 MM which was designed
by pininfarina for Roberto Rosselini as a gift for Ingrid Bergman (the 612 project was codenamed 'Ingrid') The
new Ferrari will go on sale later in 2004 and owners won't get much change from £190,000. The new Ferrari 612 Scaglietti
is a V12 Grand Tourer in the truest sense of the word with Continent crushing ability available at the merest flex
of your right foot.
The Ferrari 612 Scaglietti was designed
to replace the successful Ferrari 456M. The new Ferrari gets its name from first its engine displacement (6 litres) and then
the number of cylinders (12), and is lastly named for Ferrari coachbuilder, Sergio Scaglietti. Scaglietti has sculpted many
past Ferraris out of aluminium, beautifully translating into metal the artistic efforts of the brilliant designer, Sergio
Pininfarina.
The 612 Scaglietti is designed to seat
four passengers in an aluminum chassis and body - the first time this construction has been used on a 12-cylinder Ferrari.
This framework presents a 60 percent increase in overall structural rigidity for better handling characteristics.
The engine of the 612 Scaglietti is
a V12 producing 533 BHP at 7,250rpm. The torque figure is 433 lb/ft at 5,250rpm. This kind of power translates to astonishing
on-road performance and because the engine is mounted behind the front axle line - a trick also employed by the new Mercedes
Mclaren SLR - it provides excellent weight distribution. This in turn gives the 612 S fantastic dynamic abilities
to go hand in hand with that superb interior and striking styling. Designer Ken Okuyama has done a fantastic job in bringing
to life the next generation of Ferrari Grand Tourer.
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